Higher Cervical Cancer Rates in Deprived Areas

According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the cervix, which is the organ connecting the uterus and the vagina. This type of cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women and was responsible for 3,870 deaths in the U.S. last year. Over the past few decades, the number of deaths from cervical cancer have dropped significantly, most likely due to more women having regular Pap smear tests to detect any signs of cancer and allow for earlier treatment. Another preventative measure comes in the form of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June of 2006 to prevent four types of HPV, two of which are responsible for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.

However, even though the big picture shows an improvement in the number of deaths due to cervical cancer, a British study found that there are higher rates of cervical cancer in London’s more deprived areas. The study was conducted by researchers with the Thames Cancer Registry at King’s College London, who found that cervical cancer rates were higher in these poorer areas most likely due to fewer women receiving regular tests and vaccinations. Elizabeth Davies, medical director of the Registry at King’s College London, also emphasized other risk factors for cervical cancer, including a woman’s number of sexual partners, intercourse at a younger age and HPV infection. In the United Kingdom, HPV vaccines are only administered to young girls to lower their risk of cervical cancer, so older women are left unprotected, making regular screenings even more crucial. Still, those that receive the HPV vaccination should also have annual Pap smear tests, since the vaccine only protects against certain strains of the virus.

Hopefully, the screening rates will increase in all areas, especially those that are more deprived and have higher rates, to allow the decline in cervical cancer cases to continue. As with all cancers, cervical cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early on. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosing or treating cervical cancer, our cancer malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Please call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today, or submit an instant inquiry now and we will respond within 24 hours. Our experienced attorneys serve clients with Bronx cancer malpractice, Brooklyn cancer malpractice, Queens cancer malpractice, Nassau cancer malpractice and Suffolk cancer malpractice cases.

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